Delhi On High Alert Ahead Of CJP Protest: 35,000 Personnel Deployed, 45 Metro Stations Shut

 Delhi Police have deployed more than 35,000 security personnel across the national capital ahead of a protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, October 10, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Security has been tightened at border points and key routes, several protesters have been detained, and at least 45 metro stations have been shut as authorities prepare for the demonstration, which has been denied police permission.

The police have intensified vehicle checks at the city's entry and exit points and directed teams to prevent protesters from gathering at unauthorised locations. Paramilitary forces have also been deployed as part of the security arrangements.

CJP Calls For Large-Scale Mobilisation At Jantar Mantar

The CJP has called on supporters to gather at Jantar Mantar to protest against Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

In an Instagram post, the party announced its plans for the demonstration, stating, “10th October. Jantar Mantar 2.0. We’re coming together again to raise our voice against Gyanesh Kumar. Thousands of us are expected...”

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has also urged people to participate in large numbers, asserting that he would not withdraw from the protest even if he were detained or arrested. He appealed to supporters to maintain peace and discipline during the demonstration.

Delhi Police have instructed their teams to detain anyone attempting to stage a protest, irrespective of their location. Police have also directed Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) units not to issue weapons for deployment in connection with the demonstration.

Six Centres Designated For Detained Protesters

Those detained during the security operation are being shifted to six designated centres across the city: Chhatrasal Stadium, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Yamuna Sports Complex, Surajmal Stadium, the Community Centre in Daulatpur and the Community Centre in Pandrawal.

North District Deputy Commissioner of Police Niharika Bhatt said security pickets had been established at entry and exit points to prevent protesters from moving towards New Delhi.

“From a security perspective, pickets have been deployed at the entry and exit points of the North District,” Bhatt told ANI

She said Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was in force in New Delhi and permission had not been granted for the planned protest.

The security measures are intended to prevent anti-social elements from entering New Delhi and maintain law and order, she added.

Delhi Security Tightened With CCTV Cameras, Drones

The New Delhi district has been divided into 20 zones for close monitoring by senior police officers. Special commissioners heading various units are also keeping a close watch on the situation.

Authorities are expected to deploy facial recognition systems (FRS), additional CCTV cameras, rooftop spotters and drones across Central Delhi as part of the security arrangements.

Additional women police personnel have also been called in from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to assist with security during the October 10 protest.

45 Metro Stations Shut, Rail Services Affected

The security restrictions have disrupted public transport across the national capital, with at least 45 metro stations shut ahead of the demonstration.

The affected stations include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Patel Chowk, Mandi House, Janpath, Supreme Court, ITO and Kashmere Gate, along with several stations in South and North-East Delhi.

Interchange facilities will remain available at the affected stations, except at New Delhi Metro station.

Rail passengers are also likely to face inconvenience, as several trains scheduled to arrive at or depart from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm have reportedly been cancelled.

Why Is CJP Demanding Gyanesh Kumar's Resignation?

The CJP is demanding Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The party has also called for the scrapping of the SIR process and an independent procedure for appointing Election Commissioners.

In his video message, Dipke said free and fair elections required changes to the existing system.

“We need free and fair elections, and those elections cannot happen without the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, cannot happen without scrapping SIR, and cannot happen without an independent selection procedure through which Election Commissioners are selected,” he said.

Several student organisations and political groups are also expected to participate in the demonstration, adding to the security challenges for authorities across Delhi.